Legendary driver Giniel de Villiers, will be competing in the upcoming SA Rally Raid Championship taking place from 18 to 24 May 2025, which also marks the third round of the W2RC, taking place at Sun City, a historic moment as it will be the first time an international rally raid event is hosted on South African soil.
Please find below a Q&A with Giniel, where he shares his thoughts on the race, what he’s most looking forward to, and how he’s preparing for the challenge ahead:
You’ve had a long and successful career in rallying – what still excites you about racing, particularly on South African soil at events like the SA Rally Raid Championship?
I’ve had a long and fulfilling career in rallying, and the South African Championship has always been close to my heart. It’s genuinely one of the strongest championships in the world. While I may be nearing the end of my career, I still have the drive and passion to compete, especially in events on home soil.
What makes this year particularly exciting is that the third round of the W2RC will be held at Sun City, marking the first time South Africa hosts an international rally raid event. It’s been a dream of mine to see this happen, and now that it’s a reality, I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
How does preparing for a local event like this differ from international rallies such as Dakar or W2RC stages?
Even though the event is happening locally, it remains an international competition, so our preparation is just as rigorous as it would be for any global rally. The only advantage is that we’re racing on familiar terrain, which hopefully gives us a slight edge. But in terms of strategy, training, and execution, there’s no difference; we approach it with the same level of intensity and focus.
What does it mean to you to compete in front of a home crowd, and what can fans look forward to at the upcoming event?
Competing in front of a home crowd is always incredibly special, and with this being an international event, the excitement is even greater. We’re expecting a large turnout, especially with iconic names like Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb, and Bernard Ten Brinke joining the race.
For local fans, this is a rare opportunity to witness some of rallying’s biggest legends up close. Their presence will undoubtedly elevate the event, and I’m truly looking forward to sharing the stage with these incredible athletes. The energy, the atmosphere, and the support from the fans always mean a great deal.
Published by: Samuel Mokuoane
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